Living in Greece: Phrases for Travelers
Compiled by Kostas Fantaousakis, Public Affairs
Hi: Γειά (Yah). Very informal. Not to be used for higher ranking officials or senior citizens.
What is your name?: Πως σε λένε; (pos se LEHneh?)
Hello (two or more/single formal): Γειά σας (YAHsas).
Farewell/Goodbye: Αντίο (AnTIo). The more informal way of saying bye would just be ‘Yah.’ Recall that this is the same as saying hello (similar to ‘ciao’ in Italian). If addressing two or more individuals, say ‘YAHsas.’
Ok: Εντάξει (ENTAxei). Don’t overuse as it is similar to ‘whatever.’
See you/Talk to you later: Τα λέμε (tah LEHmeh) Another way to say goodbye.
Nice to meet you: Χάρηκα πολύ (HAreeka poLEE)
Yes: Ναί (neh)
Hello (single person/informal): Γειά σου (YAHsoo)
How are you?: Tι κανείς (tee KAHnis) Good morning: Καλημέρα (kahleeMERah) Good afternoon/evening: Καλησπέρα (kahleeSPERah) Goodnight: Καληνύχτα (kahleeNEEKHtah) Thank you: Ευχαριστώ (effkhariSTOE) Please / You’re welcome: Παρακαλώ (parakahLOE). The word for ‘please’ and ‘you’re welcome’ is the same. It can even be used to mean ‘I beg your pardon?’ when you want people to repeat what they just said. My name is...: Με λένε (me LEHneh) Page 54
No: όχι (OHhee) Excuse me/ Sorry: Συγνώμη (SeeGHNOmee) Do you speak English?: Μιλάτε αγγλικά (MeeLAHteh agleeKAH?) Cheers: Στην υγειά μας! (Stin ehYAHmas). This literally means ‘To our health!’ You can also say ‘STINeh YAHsas,’ which means ‘To your health!’ Help: Βοήθεια (vohEEtheeyah) I'm sorry, I don't speak Greek: Λυπάμαι, δεν μιλάω Eλληνικά (LeePAmeh, den miLAo ehleeneeKA) I don’t understand: Δεν καταλαβαίνω (Then katalaVEHno)
